City replaces most of council

Wednesday

Aug 27, 2008 at 12:01 AMAug 27, 2008 at 12:05 AM

Nearly the entire Northport City Council was replaced Tuesday, with just two councilmen retaining their seats.

By Jamon SmithStaff Writer

NORTHPORT | Nearly the entire Northport City Council was replaced Tuesday, with just two councilmen retaining their seats.William Tunnell was unopposed in District 3 and incumbent Council President Steve Webb defeated opponents Judy Hayes and Collis Wells to retain his District 1 seat.Webb received a total of 422 votes. Hayes received 167 votes and Wells 185.“I’d like to thank the people of my district for recognizing that I care about them,” Webb said by phone Tuesday evening. “They know that the things I’ve done are because that’s what they wanted.“Over the next four years I want to bond with the new councilmen and the mayor, and for the city to continue to grow in a positive way.”The newcomers to the Northport City Council, based on unofficial results of Tuesday’s election, were Jay Logan in District 2, Steve Acker in District 4, and Bart Harper in District 5.Logan received 228 votes, defeating incumbent Lorenzo Freeman, who received 194 votes.Harper takes the seat of Councilman Scott Collins, who did not run for re-election. Harper received 657 votes, defeating Sheila O’Rourke, who had 186 votes. Acker received 781 votes, replacing John Myers, who had 395 votes.The new councilmembers said they were excited about their victories and were ready to serve.“I’m humbled that the citizens of District 2 wanted to go in another direction,” Logan said while celebrating at City Hall with his family. “I’m ready to work and I’m going to be available to people and make sure their concerns are being met.”Acker said he’s ready for the city to move forward.“I’d like to thank the people of Northport who are very aware of their city government, I’ve found,” Acker said at City Hall. “They understand the issues and that’s why you see the results being what they are.”“In the next four years I’d like to see a new city administrator, long-term financial planning for the city, and first and foremost, I want to bring confidence and integrity back to Northport city government,” he said.Harper, who also celebrated his victory at City Hall, said he was thankful for his wife, children, brothers and campaign committee for helping him score his victory.He said he’s ready to make some changes in his district and the city.“I want to recruit businesses to Northport,” Harper said. “I also want to improve education and protect our neighborhoods. Those are the three things I found out that the people of District 5 want and I’m gonna try my best to give it to them.”